Smile Co. keeps the spotlight shining for young performers

Smile Co. was born out of a simple idea: keep the magic of theatre going for kids who didn’t want to wait.

After her children participated in a community production through Vox Theatre in Glenboro, Donalee Jones saw firsthand the confidence, friendships, and joy the experience created. But with productions alternating every other year, there was a gap.

Rather than let that momentum fade, Jones decided to fill it with stories, music, inspiration, laughter, and expression…what would become Smile Co.

With encouragement from Vox founder Megan McGill, Jones launched Smile Co. in Cartwright as a youth-focused theatre program, offering productions in the off years between Vox shows. Starting modestly with just a dozen participants, the program has steadily grown, drawing young performers from across multiple communities, including Glenboro, Cypress River, Killarney, and Cartwright.

Unlike many community theatre groups, Smile Co. is entirely youth-driven, welcoming performers aged 9 to 18. Jones directs and produces each show, while creative director Maria McDonald brings the productions to life through sets, costumes, and props. Together, they’ve created not just performances, but a space where young people can connect, collaborate, and build confidence both on and off the stage.

“I didn’t know what to expect with our first production because I had never done anything like this before. We didn’t advertise, we just relied on word of mouth,” explained Jones.

The first year was kept quite small, with a cast of 12. The following year saw a slight increase, and this year the production grew to 26 participants from Cartwright, Glenboro, Cypress River, Neelin and Killarney.

Their latest production, Alice @ Wonderland, follows the Lewis Carroll classic with a modern twist. Present-day Alice, played by Norah Mowbray, tumbles down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder and confusion. Along the way, she encounters the Mad Hatter (Shemae Sabado), the White Rabbit (Liza Klassen), the Cheshire Cat (Sabrina Islam), and the formidable Queen of Hearts (Jailyn McDonald), along with a cast of other whimsical characters.

The play received a full house both nights, something that came as both a surprise and a relief to Jones, who admitted she had concerns when she realized the show dates conflicted with Killarney High School’s production of SpongeBob.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we had great crowds both nights,” she said.

In keeping with the whimsical theme, each performance ended with a tea party, where audience members enjoyed cookies donated by Rainbow Trailers.

Hearing feedback after the show brought smiles to both the director and cast, while also instilling a strong sense of accomplishment.

“Excellent, excellent, excellent production! I’m craving a do-over! This was so impressive – the enthusiasm of the cast, the costumes, and makeup were outstanding,” exclaimed Jean Robinson.

Megan McGill echoed the praise, adding, “There were some really great lines in this play, and they were expertly delivered by an energetic cast. Way to go, SMILE Co.!”

“Good job everyone! What an awesome performance, funny and entertaining from start to finish. So much talent in these communities,” said Donna Buhler. And Lachlan Jones of Baldur shared the same expression, “That was better than the play we saw in Winnipeg.”

The set wasn’t even dismantled when the cast was excitedly asking Jones what the next production would be. Jones said she had planned on taking May and June off from Smile, but a wrap party is planned for next week and there will be a few get togethers in June.

“Even when we’re not doing a big production, Smile Co. is a great opportunity for them to get together, play drama games, and explore improv and acting,” said Jones. “All the while, they’re gaining experience…because the show must go on.”

For Jones, that ongoing opportunity is what Smile Co. is all about; creating a space where young people can grow, connect, and continue to find their voice, both on and off the stage.

PHOTO CAPTION: Hall of Strange Doors (Kaden Arndt, Norah Mowbray, Aiden Benz). PHOTO SUBMITTED